Tampa Bay Storm

Storm Boosts Offense With A Flurry Of Moves

TAMPA BAY – Tampa Bay Storm wide receiver Mike Washington has reported for the 2016 season announced vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch. The team also acquired wide receiver Xavier Boyce.

“Mike is a five-year veteran that has the ability to make some big plays on the field,” said Gooch. “His speed and his pass-catching ability are a welcome addition to our offense.”

Washington (5-foot-8, 175 lbs., Hawaii) enters his sixth season in the Arena Football League and first in a Storm uniform. The five-year veteran began his professional career with the Pittsburgh Power in 2011. He would spend three seasons in Pittsburgh before moving on to the Spokane Shock in 2014.

Last season, Washington caught 89 passes for 801 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Shock. Over the course of his career, Washington has caught 530 passes for 6,603 yards and 138 touchdowns, averaging 106 catches and 1,320 yards per season

The team acquired Washington last week in a trade with the Arizona Rattlers for future considerations.

Tampa Bay also acquired free agent wide receiver Xavier Boyce.

“We see a lot of potential in Xavier,” said Gooch. “Although his play was limited as a rookie last season, he made the most of his opportunities and made some great plays for the Soul.”

Boyce (6-foot-4, 220 lbs., Norfolk State) joins the Storm for his first season in the blue and gold. The Virginia Beach native played his rookie season with the Philadelphia Soul in 2015. Boyce appeared in nine games for the Soul, catching 15 passes for 177 yards and six touchdowns.

Boyce began his collegiate career at Virginia Tech before transferring to Norfolk State in 2011. In 2012, he led the Spartans with 68 catches for 750 yards.

The team placed wide receiver and kick returner Gerald Young on injured reserve. Young started in 3-of-3 games for the Storm, catching nine passes for 109 yards and a touchdown. He also had 11 kickoff returns for 212 yards.

The team reassigned center Jeremy Schonbrunner. Schonbrunner started in 17-of-17 games for the Storm at the center position during the 2015 season.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm is entering its 25th season in Tampa Bay. For more specific details regarding single-game pricing and availability, please contact the Storm ticket office at 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting TampaBayStorm.com or by calling 813.301.6600. For group sales fans can contact 813.301.6900. Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.